Credit: Joop Snijder jr. | Shutterstock

This intelligent dog was bred into existence by Lord Tweedmouth, who wanted a skilled retriever that was suited to the Scottish climate, terrain and available game, according to the AKC. So he crossed his "Yellow retriever" with the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel. Later crosses of Irish setter, bloodhound and other Tweed Water spaniels produced the golden retriever of today. The dog's hard-working mindset not only makes the breed a superb hunter but also ideal guide, search and rescue and assistance dogs.